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New Mexico State University

Adrian Unc - CV

Education

Degrees

Ph.D., Soil Science (Environmental Microbiology), University of Guelph (Canada), 2002

M.Sc., Soil Science, University of Guelph (Canada), 1999

B.Sc., Agronomy/Agricultural Engineering, Banat's University for Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara (Romania), 1990

Other educational experience:

Teaching from A to Z - course offered by The Teaching Academy, New Mexico State University, 2008

Professional Experience - Employment

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science (Tenure-track), Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, 2007-current

Lecturer, University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus (Canada), 2006

Research Scientist, Centre for Research on Environmental Microbiology, University of Ottawa (Canada), 2005-2007

Special Graduate Member, Graduate Faculty, University of Guelph (Canada), 2003-2005

Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Research on Environmental Microbiology, University of Ottawa (Canada), 2002-2005

Lecturer, Land Resource Sciences (currently School of Environmental Sciences), University of Guelph (Canada), 2002

Teaching Assistant, Crop Sciences (currently Plant Agriculture), University of Guelph (Canada), 2002

Teaching Assistant, Land Resource Sciences (currently School of Environmental Sciences), University of Guelph (Canada), 1999-2001

Research Assistant, Land Resource Sciences (currently School of Environmental Sciences), University of Guelph (Canada), 1996-2002

Business manager, Self-employed/various, Romania, 1992-1995

Soil Scientist, Office for Soil Science and Agrochemical Studies, Timisoara, The Institute for Soil Science Research and Agrochemistry (Romania), 1990-1991

Teaching Experience

  1. Graduate research and special issues courses ; soil, chemistry, microscopy (AGRO500, AGRO599, AGRO600, AGRO700, SOIL598, SOIL600), New Mexico State University
  2. Introduction to Environmental Science (ES110G), New Mexico State University
  3. Advanced Soil Chemistry (SOIL651), New Mexico State University
  4. Environmental Impact of Land Use (ES470), New Mexico State University
  5. Sampling and Analysis of Environmental Contaminants (ES462), New Mexico State University
  6. Practical Mapping of Environmental and Business Data (HORT300)* , New Mexico State University
  7. Special Topics In Health-Related Environmental Microbiology (MIC8500)* (one section) University of Ottawa
  8. Agrifood Systems Trends and Issues (AGR1250), University of Guelph
  9. Soil and Water Conservation (SOIL3070), University of Guelph
  10. Land Resource Stewardship (SOIL3300), University of Guelph
  11. Environmental Soil Biology (SOIL3200), University of Guelph
  12. Soil Science (SOIL2010)*, University of Guelph
  13. Soil Plant Relationships (SOIL3060), University of Guelph
  14. Land and Water Stewardship (DAGR3300), University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus

Publications

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles:

Published:

  1. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Cook, S, Li, X, Atwill, ER, Harter, T. 2012. Matrix effects critical to microbial transport through the vadose zone to groundwater, Water Resources Research, 48: W00L12, 17pp, doi:10.1029/2011WR010775
  2. Unc, A, Zurek, L, Peterson, G, Narayanan, S, Springthorpe, SV, Sattar, SA. 2012. Microarray assessment of virulence, antibiotic and heavy metal resistance in an agricultural watershed creek. Journal of Environmental Quality, 41(2): 534-543, doi: 10.2134/jeq2011.0172
  3. Sigala, J., Unc, A. 2012. A PCR-DGGE approach to evaluate the impact of wastewater source on the antibiotic resistance diversity in treated wastewater effluent. Water Science and Technology. 65(7): 1323-1331, doi: 10.2166/wst.2012.024
  4. Safadoust, A., Mahboubi, A.A., Mosaddeghi, M.R., Gharabaghi, B., Voroney, P., Unc, A. 2012. Significance of physical weathering of two-texturally different soils for the saturated transport of E. coli and bromide. Journal of Environmental Management, In Press
  5. Safadoust, A., Mahboubi, A.A., Mosaddeghi, M.R., Gharabaghi, B., Unc, A., Voroney, P., Heydari, A. 2012. Effect of regenerated soil structure on unsaturated transport of Escherichia coli and bromide, Journal of Hydrology, 430-431: 80-90 doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.02.003,
  6. Safadoust A, Mahboubi AA, Gharabaghi B, Mosaddeghi MR, Voroney P, Unc A, Sayyad Gh. 2011. Bacterial filtration rates in repacked and weathered soil columns. Geoderma, 167-168: 204-213 doi:10.1016/j.geoderma.2011.08.014
  7. Lucero ME, Unc A, Cooke P, Dowd S, Sun S. 2011. Endophyte Microbiome Diversity in Micropropagated Atriplex canescens and Atriplex torreyi var griffithsii. PLoS ONE 6(3): e17693. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0017693
  8. Unc, A, Hoekstra, G. 2011. Significance of the source of waste used to produce Autothermal Aerobic Digested Biosolids on the apparent phytoavailability of copper and zinc. The Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management, 37(4): 273-283, link
  9. Lombard, K, O'Neill, M, Heyduck, R, Onken, B, Ulery, A, Mexal, J., Unc, A. 2011. Composted biosolids as a source of iron for hybrid poplars (Populus sp) grown in Northwest New Mexico, Agroforestry Systems, 81: 45-56, doi:10.1007/s10457-010-9334-7
  10. Goss, MJ, Ehlers, W, Unc, A. 2010. The role of lysimeters in the development of our understanding of contamination of groundwater aquifers, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 35: 913-926, doi:10.1016/j.pce.2010.06.004,
  11. Mosaddeghi, MR, Sinegani, AAS, Farhangi, MB, Mahboubi, AA, Unc, A. 2010. Saturated and unsaturated transport of cow manure-borne E. coli through in situ clay loam lysimeters. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 137: 163-171, doi:10.1016/j.agee.2010.01.018
  12. Perez, J, Berube, D, Sattar, SA, Unc, A, Springthorpe, S. 2010. Potential for aluminium to influence detection of Escherichia coli, Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 10: 269-275, doi:10.2166/ws.2010.902
  13. Mosaddeghi MR, Mahboubi, AA, Zandsalimi, S, Unc, A. 2009. Influence of organic waste type and soil structure on the bacteria filtration rates in unsaturated intact soil columns, Journal of Environmental Management, 90 (2): 730-739, doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2008.01.009
  14. Unc, A, Gardner, J, Springthorpe, S. 2006. Recovery of soil E. coli after addition of sterile organic wastes, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 72: 2287-2289 doi:10.1128/AEM.72.3.2287-2289.2006
  15. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2006. Culturable Escherichia coli in soil mixed with two types of manure, Soil Science Society of America Journal, 70:763-769 doi:10.2136/sssaj2004.0367
  16. Curnoe, W, Irving, DI, Dow, CB, Velema, G, Unc, A. 2006. Effect of spring application of a paper mill-soil-conditioner on corn yield and soil fertility, Agronomy Journal 98: 423-429, doi:10.2134/agronj2005.0041
  17. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2006. Impact of organic waste amendments on soil hydraulic properties and on water partitioning, Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science, 5: 243-251, Link
  18. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2004. Transport of microorganisms from manure and the protection of water resources, Applied Soil Ecology, 25:1-18 (Top-10 Most Cited from 2003 to 2008), doi:10.1016/j.apsoil.2003.08.007
  19. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2003. Movement of faecal bacteria from manure through the vadose zone, Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 149:327-337, doi:10.1023/A:1025693109248
  20. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2000. Development of a protocol for sampling faecal coliform bacteria originating from manure in the vadose zone, Water Quality Research Journal of Canada, 35:23-28, Link

Google citations

Abstracts Published in Journals:

  1. Schwab Uchanski, LK, Unc, A, Lucero, M. 2011. Soil Disturbance Increases Soil Microbial Enzymatic Activity in Arid Ecoregions. Nature Precedings. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/npre.2011.6202.1 (preliminary data release)
  2. Tahtamouni, M, Unc, A, Lucero, M, Khresat, S. 2011. Discriminatory power of MicroRespTM analyses across variable spatial scales in semiarid ecological zones. Nature Precedings. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/npre.2011.6204.1 (preliminary data release)
  3. Safadoust, A, Mahboubi, AA, Gharabaghi, B, Mosaddeghi, MR, Voroney, P, Unc, A, Sayyad, G. 2011. Bacterial transport and filtration rates as influenced by soil texture and flow conditions. Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 13, EGU2011-4382.
  4. Unc, A, Sharpe, PH, Pitty Del Cid, J, Springthorpe, S, Sattar, SA, Goss, MJ. 2006. Impact of cattle grazing management on microbial indicators of fecal pollution, Canadian Journal of Animal Science, vol. 86(4): 583-583
  5. Sharpe, PH, Unc, A, Pitty del Cid, J, Marcellisen, P, Knight, DR, Goss, MJ. 2006. Drinking and defecating frequencies and locations are affected by the presence of a water trough when cattle graze near a creek, Canadian Journal of Animal Science, vol. 86(4): 597-597

Book Chapters:

  1. Unc, A. and V.S. Springthorpe. 2008. Escherichia coli as a microbial indicator of fecal contamination in soils and surface waters: roles of environmental biotic and abiotic factors in modulating its occurrence and numbers. In: Diaz, L. and Perez, M. (Eds.) Ecology Research Trends, NOVA Publishers, NJ, pp. 123-160
  2. Unc, A. and Goss, M.J. 2002. Movement of pathogenic bacteria from manure to groundwater resources, In: Kocasoy, G., Atabarut, T., and Nuhoglu, I. (Eds.) Appropriate Environmental And Solid Waste Management And Technologies For Developing Countries, ISWA - Istanbul, Turkey, pp. 1539-1546,
  3. Goss, M.J., Unc, A., and Chen, S. 2000. Transport of nitrogen, phosphorus, and microorganisms from manure into surface- and groundwater, In: Balazs, E., Galante, E., Lynch, J.M., Schepers, J.S., Toutant, J.-P., Werner, D. and Werry, P.A.T.J. (Eds.). Biological Resource Management - Connecting Science and Policy, Springer Verlag, Berlin, Germany, pp. 31-55

Reviewed Proceedings:

  1. Sigala, J. and Unc, A. 2010. Assessment of the contribution of wastewater sources to the diversity of antibiotic resistance in wastewater treatment plants, Proceeding from the 14th European Biosolids and Organic Resources Conference, Horan, N. J. (ed), Aqua Enviro Technology Transfer, Manchester, UK, ISBN-10: 1903958385.
  2. Perez, J, Berube, D, Sattar, SA, Unc, A, Springthorpe, S. 2009. Possible influence of aluminium on cultivability of Escherichia coli in drinking water. Proceedings of the 13th Canadian National Conference and 4th Policy Forum on Drinking Water, Quebec QC
  3. Unc, A, Hoekstra, G. 2009. Impact of ThermAer ATAD biosolids on biomass yield and quality of three plant species, Proceedings of the 5th Canadian Residuals and Biosolids Conference, Niagara Falls ON.
  4. Unc, A, Hoekstra, G. 2009. Agronomic evaluation of ThermAer ATAD biosolids; greenhouse growth trials, Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, Residuals and Biosolids 2009, Water Environment Federation, pp. 1214-1226(13) http://dx.doi.org/10.2175/193864709793846303
  5. Springthorpe, S, Unc, A, Sattar, SA. 2007. Escherichia coli in drinking water sources and distribution system biofilms. In Proceedings of the 12th Canadian National Conference and 3rd Policy Forum on Drinking Water, ed. W. Robertson, pp. 321-329. Ottawa, ON Canada: Canadian Water and Wastewater Association, ISBN # 0-929128-28-1.
  6. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Springthorpe, S, Sattar, SA. 2004. Role of the surface charge properties for bacterial retention in soils; significance of soluble and colloidal organic matter in suspension, In Horan, N.J (ed) Proceedings of the 9th European Biosolids and Organic Residuals Conference, Aqua Enviro, Wakefield, UK.
  7. Unc, A, and M.J Goss. 2003. Impact of manure properties on the survival of manure Escherichia coli in soils. In Proceedings of the 2nd Canadian Organic Residuals Recycling Conference, (Penticton, BC), eds. H Kelly, and J Bryden, 331-346. Burnaby, BC: BCWWA.
  8. Unc, A, MJ Goss, S Springthorpe, and SA Sattar. 2003. Factors important for the transport and survival of microbes from residual materials (manure/biosolids) applied to land. In Proceedings of the 2nd Canadian Organic Residuals Recycling Conference, (Penticton, BC), eds. H Kelly, and J Bryden, Burnaby, BC: BCWWA.
  9. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2002. Movement of pathogenic bacteria from manure to groundwater resources, In: Kocasoy, G., Atabarut, T., and Nuhoglu, I. (Eds.) Appropriate Environmental And Solid Waste Management And Technologies For Developing Countries, vol. 3, pp. 1539-1546, ISWA World Congress Proceedings, July 2002 Istanbul, Turkey
  10. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2002. Manure impact on the field movement and survival of enteric bacteria, AICF National Conference on Agricultural Nutrients and Their Impact on Rural Water Quality, Waterloo, ON.

Conference Abstracts and Invited Lectures:

  1. Lucero, ML, Sedillo, R, Unc, A, Tahtamouni, E, Klass, J, Schwab-Uchanski, LK, Monger, C, Thomas, S, Bernard, E, Ruiz-Font, A, Lavine, B, Sun, S, Chen, J, Beacham, J. cross scale interactions within and beyond microbiomes to advance understanding of plant adaptation. 17th Wildland Shrub Symposium, Humans in Changing Landscapes May 22-24, 2012, Las Cruces, NM
  2. Unc, A, Lucero, ML, Tahtamouni, E, Schwab Uchanski, LK, Nelson, C. Microorganisms along the soil-plant continuum; opportunities and challenges. 17th Wildland Shrub Symposium, Humans in Changing Landscapes May 22-24, 2012, Las Cruces, NM
  3. Sigala, J, Unc, A. 2012. Variability of Bacterial Resistance Patterns and Selective Stresses within a Local Municipal Wastewater System, American Society of Microbiology, Rio Grande chapter, February 24-25, Las Cruces, NM
  4. Schwab Uchanski, LK, Unc, A, Lucero, M. 2012. Long Term Stability of Community Level Microbial Enzymatic Activity in Severely Disturbed Arid Lands of the Southwest, American Society of Microbiology, Rio Grande chapter, February 24-25, Las Cruces, NM
  5. Unc, A., Seger, M., Gregson, J., Potter, A., Holguin, O., Schaub, T., Lammers, P. 2011. Factors affecting growth, lipid accumulation and nutrient use efficiency in outdoor PBR cultures of Nannochloropsis salina grown in CO2 enriched municipal wastewaters; II. Tertiary treated wastewaters, November 16, 2011, DOE-NAABB up/downstream meeting, DOE, Tempe, AZ.
  6. Unc, A., Seger, M., Gregson, J., Potter, A., Holguin, O., Schaub, T., Lammers, P. 2011. Factors affecting growth, lipid accumulation and nutrient use efficiency in outdoor PBR cultures of Nannochloropsis salina grown in CO2 enriched municipal wastewaters; II. Secondary treated wastewaters, November 16, 2011, DOE-NAABB up/downstream meeting, DOE, Tempe, AZ.
  7. Sigala, J, Unc, A. 2011. Metagenomic diversity survey of antibiotic resistant bacterial consortia in a wastewater collection and treatment system. 16th International Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology, WaterMicro 2011, September 18-23, 2011, Rotorua, New Zealand
  8. Nalim, FA, Gregson, J, Unc, A. 2011. Diversity of bacterial populations associated with biofuel algal stocks under variable growth conditions, 1st International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts, July 17-20, St. Louis, MO
  9. Nalim, FA, Gregson, J, Seger, M, Unc, A. 2011. Impact of Nannochloropsis salina 1776 on the diversity of bacteria from tertiary treated municipal wastewater, 1st International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts, July 17-20, St. Louis, MO
  10. Gregson, J, Bonde, N, Unc, A. 2011. Putative pathogenic and antibiotic resistance diversity in biofuel algae grown in tertiary treated municipal wastewaters, 1st International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts, July 17-20, St. Louis, MO
  11. Schwab Uchanski, LK, Unc, A, Lucero, M. 2011. Soil Disturbance Increases Soil Microbial Enzymatic Activity in Arid Ecoregions. Enzymes in the Environment: Activity, Ecology & Applications. 17-21 July, Bad Nauheim, Germany
  12. Tahtamouni, M, Unc, A, Lucero, M, Khresat, S. 2011. Discriminatory power of MicroRespTM analyses across variable spatial scales in semiarid ecological zones. Enzymes in the Environment: Activity, Ecology & Applications. 17-21 July, Bad Nauheim, Germany
  13. Schwab Uchanski, LK, Tahtamouni, EW, Lucero, M., Nalim, FA, Unc, A. 2011. Long term stability of microbial diversity and activity potential in severely disturbed arid lands, 4th Congress of European Microbiologists, June 26-30, Geneva, Switzerland
  14. Nalim, FA, Gregson, J, Unc, A. 2011. Impact of Nannochloropsis salinas on the diversity of wastewater bacteria, 4th Congress of European Microbiologists, June 26-30, Geneva, Switzerland
  15. Lucero, M, Unc, A, Nalim, A, Khresat, S. 2010. Can shrub microbiomes influence plant adaptation across ecological gradients? Wildland Shrub and Arid Land Restoration, May 15-16, Logan UT
  16. Unc A, Schwab, LK, Lucero M, Nalim FA, Tahtamouni EW. 2011. Community level microbial diversity, nitrogen cycling potential, and physiological profiles in arid lands affected by natural gas extraction activities. Ecology of Soil Microorganisms. Microbes as Important Drivers of Soil Processes April 27-May 01, Prague, Czech Republic
  17. Lucero, M., Unc, A., Nalim, A., Cooke, P., 2010. Metagenomic analysis of Atriplex microbiomes: Investigating plant-microbe interactions that enhance adaptation to extreme habitats. DOE Joint Genome Institute Genomics of Energy & Environment, 5th Annual User Meeting, March 24 - 26, Walnut Creek, CA
  18. Bonde, N, Gregson, J, Unc, A. 2011. Antibiotic resistance of E. coli in a collection, treatment and algal growth system, American Society of Microbiology, May 21-25, New Orleans, LA
  19. Safadoust, A, Mahboubi, AA, Gharabaghi, B, Mosaddeghi, MR, Voroney, P, Unc, A, Sayyad, G. 2011. Bacterial transport and filtration rates as influenced by soil texture and flow conditions. 2011 European Geosciences Union General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, April 3-8.
  20. Unc, A. 2011. Microbial diversity gradients as indicators of revegetation potential and progress. Workshop: Strategies for Identifying and Understanding Plant-Microbe Interactions that Influence Adaptation to Change, Feb. 16, Las Cruces, NM
  21. Schwab, LK, Lucero, M, Unc, A. 2010. Impact of pilling and long-term topsoil storage on the potential soil microbial activity in the Northern Chihuahuan desert. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, Long Beach, CA
  22. Springthorpe, S, Perez, J, Berube, D, Unc, A, Sattar, S. 2010. Can Escherichia coli hide in your water? Water Quality Technology Conference and Exposition, Nov. 14-18, Savannah, GA
  23. Schwab, LK, Lucero, M, Unc, A. 2010. Impact of disturbance on soil microbial activity in the Northern Chihuahuan desert. 13th International Society for Microbial Ecology meeting (Spatial Heterogeneity - Small Volumes with Big Impacts section), Aug. 22-27, Seattle WA
  24. Tahtamouni, EM, Unc, A. Arid soils microbial enzymatic activity profile as affected by geographical location and soil degradation status. 13th International Society for Microbial Ecology meeting (Biodiversity and Community Analysis section), Aug. 22-27, Seattle WA
  25. Martin, J, Sigala, J, Unc. Depth distribution of thermophilic bacteria in sedimentary geological layers in the Northern Chihuahuan desert. 13th International Society for Microbial Ecology meeting (Biodiversity and Community Analysis section), Aug. 22-27, Seattle WA
  26. Sigala, J, Unc. Significance of wastewater source on the bacterial and antibiotic resistance diversity in the environment. 13th International Society for Microbial Ecology meeting (Disease Ecology section), Aug. 22-27, Seattle WA
  27. Goss, MJ, Unc, A. 2010. Microbial contamination of Groundwater under Agricultural Fields; Sources and Pathways. Towards Sustainable Groundwater In Agriculture: An International Conference Linking Science and Policy, June 15-17, San Francisco CA
  28. Schwab, LK, Tahtamouni, EM, Lucero, M, Unc, A. 2010. Microbial Enzymatic Activity in Degraded Arid Soils: Implications for Plant Community Restoration, Wildland Shrub and Arid Land Restoration, May 15-16, Logan UT
  29. Lucero, M, Unc, A, Nalim, A, Khresat, S. 2010. Can shrub microbiomes influence plant adaptation across ecological gradients? Wildland Shrub and Arid Land Restoration, May 15-16, Logan UT
  30. Lucero, M., Unc, A., Nalim, A., Cooke, P., 2010. Metagenomic analysis of Atriplex microbiomes: Investigating plant-microbe interactions that enhance adaptation to extreme habitats. DOE Joint Genome Institute Genomics of Energy & Environment, 5th Annual User Meeting, March 24 - 26, Walnut Creek, CA
  31. Sigala, J, Unc, A. 2009. Assessment of the contribution of wastewater sources to the diversity of antibiotic resistance in wastewater treatment plants. 14th European Biosolids and Organic Resources Conference, 9-11th November 2009, The Royal Armouries, Leeds, UK
  32. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Mosaddeghi, MR, Passmore J, Springthorpe SV, Chen, S, Mahboubi, AA, Sattar, SA. 2009. Contaminant bacteria in soils; From transport to survival and the indicator of the indicator. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov 1-5, Pittsburgh PA
  33. Perez, J, Berube, D, Sattar, SA, Unc, A, Springthorpe, S. 2009. Potential for aluminium to influence detection of Escherichia coli, CAWQ 25th. Eastern Regional Conference, Oct 30, 2009, Ottawa ON
  34. Schwab, LK, Lucero ME, Unc, A. 2009. - Microbial Profiles associated with Disturbed and Undisturbed Grassland Soils. 18th Symposium of the Jornada Basin Long Term Ecological Research Program, July 16, Las Cruces NM
  35. Sigala, J, Unc, A. 2009. Assessment of a novel source-tracking protocol for evaluating the significance of municipal wastewater sources on the microbial contaminant profiles of discharged wastewaters. New Mexico Water Research Symposium, Aug. 11, Socorro NM
  36. Unc, A, Hoekstra, G. 2009. Impact of ThermAer ATAD biosolids on biomass yield and quality of three plant species, 5th Canadian Residuals and Biosolids Conference, Sept. 13-15, Niagara Falls ON
  37. Perez, J, Berube, D, Sattar, SA, Unc, A, Springthorpe, S. 2009. Potential for aluminium to influence detection of Escherichia coli, 15th International Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology, 31 May-5 June, Naxos Island, Greece
  38. Schwab, LK, Lucero, M, Unc, A, Deswood, H. 2009. Identification of plant-microbe relationships that enhance restoration of degraded arid grasslands, Rio Grande Branch of the American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting, Feb. 28-29, Las Cruces NM
  39. Pitty del Cid, J, Unc, A, Zurek, L, Goss, M, Sharpe, P, Springthorpe, SV, Sattar, SA. 2008. Environmental impact on levels of pathogenic indicator microorganisms in water streams. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Oct. 5-9, Houston TX
  40. Pitty del Cid, J, Unc, A, Sharpe, P, Goss, MJ, Springthorpe, SV, Sattar, SA. 2008. Microbial water quality consequences of dairy heifers regular access to a small volume water stream, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Oct. 5-9, Houston TX
  41. Perez, J, Berube, D, Sattar, SA, Unc, A, Springthorpe, S. 2008. Possible influence of aluminium on cultivability of Escherichia coli in drinking water. 13th Canadian National Conference and 4th Policy Forum on Drinking Water, Oct. 4-7, Quebec City QC
  42. Macovei, L, Unc, A. 2007. Rationale to sequence subsurface and deep subsurface micro-communities. DUSEA (Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory Initiative), Nov 2-4, Washington DC.
  43. Pitty Del Cid, J, Unc, A, Sattar, S, Springthorpe, S, Goss, MJ. 2007. Effect of pasturing dairy heifers near small open water sources on water quality: microbiological impacts. 23rd Eastern Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research, CAWQ, Sherbrooke, QC, Oct. 26, 2007
  44. Sharpe, P, Unc, A, Pitty Del Cid, J, Straathof, A, Sattar, S, Goss, MJ. 2007. Effect of Pasturing Dairy Heifers near Small Open Water Sources on Water Quality: Animal Parameters. 23rd Eastern Canadian Symposium on Water Quality Research, CAWQ, Sherbrooke, QC, Oct. 26, 2007
  45. Unc, A, Sharpe P, Springthorpe, S, Goss, MJ, Pity del Cid, J, Sattar, S. 2007. Do rivers have a contaminant memory? Proceedings of the 14th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Making the Connection: Tributaries and Wetlands, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 15-17th, Cornwall ON
  46. Springthorpe, S, Unc, A. 2006. Detection of soil and water E. coli after addition of organic nutrient sources. The 3rd Canadian Water Network - Connecting Water Resources, November 20-23, Montreal QC
  47. Unc, A, Springthorpe, S., 2006. Cultivability and detection of soil and water Escherichia coli after addition of organic nutrient sources. 11th International Society for Microbial Ecology meeting. August 20-25, Vienna, Austria
  48. Unc, A, Sharpe, PH, Pitty Del Cid, J, Springthorpe, S, Sattar, SA, and Goss, MJ. 2006. Impact of cattle grazing management on microbial indicators of fecal pollution. Joint Colloquium of the Canadian Society of Animal Science and the Canadian Society of Agronomy and the Canadian Society for Horticultural Sciences, August 1-4, Halifax NS
  49. Sharpe, PH, Unc, A, Pitty del Cid, J, Marcellisen, P, Knight, DR,Goss, MJ. 2006. Drinking and defecating frequencies and locations are affected by the presence of a water trough when cattle graze near a creek. Joint Colloquium of the Canadian Society of Animal Science and the Canadian Society of Agronomy and the Canadian Society for Horticultural Sciences, August 1-4, Halifax NS
  50. Goss, MJ, Unc, A, Richards, C, Heck, R, Dunfield, K, and Lammerding, A. 2006. Development of a risk-based index of the potential for pathogens from agricultural activity to impact source waters. Proceedings of the 13th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Source Water Protection; Part II, Progress and Challenges, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 16-18th, Cornwall ON
  51. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Passmore, J, Springthorpe, SV, Kinsley, C, and Sattar, SA. 2006 How and why do microbes reach groundwater; A review. Proceedings of the 13th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Source Water Protection; Part II, Progress and Challenges, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 16-18th, Cornwall ON
  52. Unc, A, and Springthorpe, S. 2006. Environmental water quality: nutrients and microbial contamination of surface waters. Proceedings of the 13th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Source Water Protection; Part II, Progress and Challenges, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 16-18th, Cornwall ON
  53. Unc, A, Springthorpe, S, Sattar, SA. 2006. Microbial faecal and non-faecal indicators of water contamination. Proceedings of the 13th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Source Water Protection; Part II, Progress and Challenges, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 16-18th, Cornwall ON
  54. Springthorpe, S, Unc, A, Sattar, SA. 2006. Escherichia coli in drinking water sources and distribution system biofilms. 12th Canadian National Drinking Water Conference, April 1-4, Saint John NB
  55. Goss, MJ, Unc, A. 2006. Transport of microbes in contaminated soils. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) Workshop, January 24-25, 2006, Toronto Ontario (invited paper)
  56. Gardner, J, Unc, A. 2005. E. coli from agricultural lands; what are we measuring? Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Source Water Protection, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 16-18th, Cornwall ON
  57. Passmore, J, Unc, A. 2005. Biosolids and vertical transfer of microbes through soils; experimental results. Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Source Water Protection, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 16-18th, Cornwall ON
  58. Springthorpe, S, Unc, A, Sattar, SA. 2005. Microbial indicators of water quality - what are we measuring? Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Conference on the St. Lawrence River / Great Lakes Ecosystem Source Water Protection, St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences, May 16-18th, Cornwall ON
  59. Passmore, J, Goss, MJ, and Unc, A. 2004. Factors affecting the transport of pathogens from biosolids through the vadose zone. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, Seattle WA
  60. Unc, A, Passmore, J, Goss, MJ, Sattar, SA, Springthorpe, S. 2004. Evaluation of microbial water quality risks associated with the land application of biosolids; tests on hydrologically isolated plots. Proceedings of the 20th Eastern Regional Conference of the Canadian Association On Water Quality. Carleton University, the Institute For Environmental Engineering, October 29th, Ottawa ON
  61. Goss, MJ, Passmore, J, Unc, A. 2004. Transport of Pathogens from Sewage Biosolids. International Association for Great Lakes Research 2004 Conference, May 24-28, Waterloo ON. Great Lakes Need Great Watersheds, Monograph, p. 51
  62. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Springthorpe, S, Sattar, SA. 2004. An integrated experimental approach for evaluating the contaminant risk associated with the land application of biosolids. International Association for Great Lakes Research 2004 Conference, May 24-28, Waterloo ON. Great Lakes Need Great Watersheds, Monograph, p. 158
  63. Unc, A. 2004. Beneficial Management Practices to Reduce Pathogens / Chemicals Movement from Biosolids Application to Tile Drains, Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) Biosolids Seminar Biosolids Seminar, February 12, Hamilton ON
  64. Passmore, J, Goss, MJ, Unc, A. 2003. Parameters Affecting the Preferential Transport of Microbial Pathogens from Biosolids through the Vadose Zone. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 2-6, Denver CO.
  65. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Passmore, J, Springthorpe, S. 2003. Transport of bacteria through soil columns in the presence of surfactants. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 2-6, Denver CO.
  66. Goss, M, Unc, A, Barry, DAJ, Topp, E, Ho, T, 2003. Development of an index for the risk of contamination of water resources by pathogens, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 2-6, Denver CO
  67. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Springthorpe, S, and Sattar, SA. 2003. Factors important for the transport and survival of microbes from residual materials (manure/biosolids) applied to land. Proceedings of the 2nd Canadian Organic Residuals Recycling Conference, April 24 and 25, 2003, British Columbia Water and Waste Association, Penticton BC
  68. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2003. Impact of manure properties on the survival of manure Escherichia coli in soils. Proceedings of the 2nd Canadian Organic Residuals Recycling Conference, April 24 and 25, 2003, British Columbia Water and Waste Association, Penticton BC
  69. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2002. Movement of pathogenic bacteria from manure to water resources (groundwater). International Solid Waste Association 2002 World Environment Congress and Fair, July 8-12, 2002, Istanbul, Turkey
  70. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2002. Manure impact on the field movement and survival of enteric bacteria. Proceedings of the National Conference on Agricultural Nutrients and Their Impact on Rural Water Quality, Agricultural Institute of Canada Foundation, April 29 to 30, 2002, Waterloo ON
  71. Unc, A, and Goss, MJ. 2002. Importance of manure properties for the vadose zone transport and survival of manure bacteria. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 10-14, Indianapolis IN
  72. Unc, A, and Goss, MJ. 2002. Survival of manure Escherichia coli in soil as affected by manure properties. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 10-14, Indianapolis IN
  73. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2002. Impact of manure components on the initial attachment of bacteria and artificial microspheres to soil surfaces. International Conference on Water and Health, Sept. 2002, Ottawa ON
  74. Goss, MJ, Unc, A. 2001. Contamination of water resources by microbes originating from farms. The 8th Latornell Annual Symposium, Nov. 2001, 8th Annual Latornel Symposium, Nov 2001, Alliston ON
  75. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2001. Impact of manure components on bacteria retention by soils. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Oct. 21-25, Charlotte NC
  76. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2001. Impact of manure on soil physical properties relevant to bacterial transport, Canadian Soil Science Society, International Humic Substances Society Meeting, Aug. 2001, Guelph ON
  77. Conboy, MJ, Unc, A, Barry, DAJ, Goss, MJ. 2000. Factors influencing the transport of bacteria through the vadose zone to ground water. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 5-9, 2000, Minneapolis MN
  78. Unc, A. 2000, Rural Water Quality. The 7th Latornell Annual Symposium, Nov. 2000, Alliston ON
  79. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 2000. Effects of applying manure on soil properties relevant to bacterial transport. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Nov. 5-9, Minneapolis MN
  80. Unc, A, Goss, MJ, Whiteley, HR. 1999. Transport of faecal bacteria from manure through the vadose zone, CAWQ (Canadian Association for Water Quality) 34th Central Canadian Symposium, February 8-9, Burlington ON
  81. Unc, A, Goss, MJ. 1998. Transport of faecal bacteria under field conditions, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Oct. 19-22, Baltimore MD
  82. Goss, MJ, Conboy, MJ, Unc, A. 1998. Contamination of groundwater by bacteria from animal manure, British Soil Science Society Annual Meeting, Sept. 1998, Belfast UK
  83. Goss, MJ, Conboy, MJ, Unc, A. 1997. Contamination Of Groundwater By Bacteria From Animal Manure, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, Oct. 26-31, Anaheim CA

Popular press

  1. Unc, A., and C. Weil. 2004. Potable water: What you need to know about this essential ingredient for top-quality milk, The Milk Producer, 80:20-24
  2. Unc, A. 2004. Water used to wash milk contact surfaces: informational brochure. Dairy Farmers of Ontario, pp22

Scientific And Technical Reports:

  1. Sigala, J., Unc, A., 2009. Assessment of a Novel Source-Tracking Protocol for Evaluating the Significance of Municipal Wastewater Sources on the Microbial Contaminant Levels of Discharged Wastewater, New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, Las Cruces, New Mexico, November 2009, Technical Report
  2. Fisher, J.W., Unc, A., McKnight, D.R., Murthy, K., Engelhardt, R. 2008. Bacteriophage treatment of zoonotic pathogens. Poster/Factsheet, University of Guelph, Ontario Canada, 09/19/2008
  3. Unc, A., Hoekstra, G., 2008. Agronomic evaluation of WCI ATAD [2nd generation autothermal aerobic digestion] biosolids products - Greenhouse growth trials. - Report submitted to WCI, Environmental Solutions Inc., Ottawa, Ontario, March 2008, 321 pages, Technical Report
  4. Unc, A., Fisher, J., Murthy, K., Hiratsuka, K., 2006. Transport of E. coli O157:H7 and associated coliphages through three soil types of contrasting properties. Report submitted to GangaGen Inc. and Dairy Farmers of Ontario, May 2006, 30 pages, Technical Report
  5. Goss, M.J., Unc, A., Passmore, J., Springthorpe, S.V., Sattar, S. A. 2006. Factors affecting microbial faecal contamination of ground and surface water during and after application of municipal biosolids and the impact of best management practices (BMP's) to mitigate these factors. Report Submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Agriculture Canada, February 2006, 71 pages, Technical Report
  6. Unc, A., Kinsley, C., and Springthorpe, S., 2005. Options for suitable national pathogen standards in agricultural settings based on a critical evaluation of existing national and international benchmarks of environmental quality related to agriculture and/or water quality protection, Report submitted to Environment Canada, National Guidelines and Standards Office, May 2005, 127 pages, Scientific Report
  7. Unc, A. and Weil, C. 2003. Constructive solutions to water quality issues on Ontario dairy farms, Literature review report to Dairy Farmers of Ontario, December 2003, 139 pages, Scientific Report
  8. Goss, M.J., Rudra, R., Snyder, L., Barry, D.A.J., Unc, A., McCoy, A., Schiefer K., and Passmore J. 2003. Report of a scoping study for an agro-ecosystem indicator of the risk of water contamination by pathogens from agricultural operations, report to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Ontario Ministry of the Environment, May 2003, 115 pages, Scientific Report
  9. Goss, M.J., McCoy, A., Unc, A., Burr, S., and Barry, D.A.J., 2003. Milkhouse water quality pilot study: Contamination of source water for milkhouse cleansing, Report to Dairy Farmers of Ontario, January 2003, 20 pages - Technical Report

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

  1. Unc, A. and Weil, C.. 2004. Water used to wash milk contact surfaces. (water quality brochure and spreadsheet assessment tool) Dairy Farmers of Ontario
  2. The chapter published in collaboration with M.J. Goss and S. Chen (2000) on the transport of contaminants identifies the water quality issues related to animal manure. It was used as a contribution to establishing priorities for research within OECD countries.
  3. Results obtained during the Ph.D. work on the impact of the transport of bacteria from manure on water quality were extensively quoted at the Walkerton Inquiry in a reviewed commission paper (Goss, M.J., Rollins, K.S., McEwan, K., Shaw, J.R. and Lammers-Helps, H. Manure Management regulations and Practices. Walkerton Inquiry Commissioned Paper 6. Toronto: Ministry of the Attorney General, April 2002) and presented during the Part I hearings of the inquiry in the expert testimony of Dr. M.J. Goss.
  4. Knowledge from the M.Sc. and Ph.D. work was used by to create a pathogen index in an extension to a Decision Support System for manure management at farm level (M-CLONE 4).

Presentations by mentored undergraduate research assistants

  1. Martin, J, Unc, A. 2010. The diversity and distribution of thermophiles in desert landscapes and desert soil profiles. 15th Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium, Las Cruces NM, Apr., 2010
  2. Montelya, FR, Unc, A. 2009. Assessing the microbiological impact of biodisinfection and ozonation of dairy milking parlors; Escherichia coli recovery and antibiotic resistance profiling. NMSU-AMP-URA Symposium. Oct. 2, 2009
  3. Sigala, J, Unc, A. 2009. Source tracking and community profiles of antibiotic resistant bacteria in wastewater samples; Expanded modeling, NMSU-AMP-URA Symposium, New Mexico State University, Aug. 02, 2009
  4. Montelya, FR, Unc, A. 2009. Assessing the microbiological impact of biodisinfection and ozonation of dairy milking parlors. Escherichia coli recovery and antibiotic resistance profiling. NM-URA Symposium, New Mexico State University, Aug. 02, 2009
  5. Sigala, J, Montelya, FR, Unc, A. 2009. Source tracking and community profiles of antibiotic resistant bacteria in wastewater samples. NMSU-AMP-URA Symposium, New Mexico State University, May 01, 2009
  6. Sigala, J, Montelya, FR, Unc, A. 2009. Source tracking and community profiles of antibiotic resistant bacteria in wastewater samples. 14th Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium, New Mexico State University, April 17, 2009
  7. Sigala, J, Montelya, FR, Unc, A. 2008. Source tracking and community profiles of antibiotic resistant bacteria in wastewater samples. NMSU-AMP-URA Symposium, Dec. 5, 2008, Las Cruces NM
  8. Sigala, J, Unc, A. 2008. Dairy parlor disinfection with ozone and antibiotic resistance profiles. NM-AMP, Student Research Symposium, New Mexico State University, August 8, 2008
  9. Begay, K, Unc, A. 2008. E. coli and Antibiotic Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Plant. NSF-URA-SCCORE Symposium, New Mexico State University, August 6, 2008
  10. Montelya, FR, Unc, A. 2008. Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in the Rio Grande. NSF-URA SCCORE Symposium, New Mexico State University, August 6, 2008

Advising

Postdoctoral Researchers & Research Scientists

PhD Students

  • Lori-Kae Schwab, New Mexico State University, from 2009
  • Emad Tahtamouni, New Mexico State University, from 2010
  • Andrew Potter, New Mexico State University, from 2011
  • Jennifer Smith, New Mexico State University, from 2010 (co-advisor with Dr. W. Boeing, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology)
  • Veena Unnitham, New Mexico State University, from 2010 (co-advisor with Dr. G. Smith, Biology)
  • Sylvia Nemmers, New Mexico State University, 2008-2010 (co-advisor with Dr. A. Ulery, PES)

MSc Students

  • Jessica Gregson, New Mexico State University, from 2010
  • Jesus Sigala, New Mexico State University, from 2009
  • Conrad Nelson, New Mexico State University, from 2010
  • Nicole Bonde, New Mexico State University, from 2009
  • Michaela Franziska Mattes, New Mexico State University, 2007-2010 (defense committee member, advisor Dr. W. Lindemann, PES)
  • Joanna Passmore, University of Guelph, 2003-2005 (co-advisor with Dr. M.J. Goss, Land Resource Science)

Graduate research assistants

  • Veena Unnitham, PhD candidate, Biology Dept., NMSU - 2010

Undergraduate research assistants

  • Jonathan Martin, New Mexico State University, 2009-2011 - through the NMSU MARC program - NIH funded
  • Jesus Sigala, , New Mexico State University, 2008-2009 - through the New Mexico AMP program - NSF funded
  • Felly Rose Montelya, New Mexico State University, 2008-2009 - through the New Mexico AMP program - NSF funded
  • Kirsten Begay, New Mexico State University, 2008 - through the New Mexico AMP program - NSF funded
  • Jaan Altosaar, Student Volunteer - University of Ottawa, 2005
  • Vlad Cotrut, Student Volunteer - University of Ottawa, 2006
  • George Unc, Student Volunteer - University of Ottawa, 2005-2006
  • Julie Gardner, University of Ottawa, 2005, Honours project
  • Calvin Johnston, Student Technician, University of Guelph - Kemptville campus 2005
  • Adam Reeb, Student Technician & technician, University of Ottawa, 2004-2005
  • Brandon O'Malley, Field Technician - University of Ottawa, 2004
  • Natalie Clavel, Microbiology Technician - University of Ottawa, 2003-2005

RESEARCH

Other